Column Treatment Case Report No. 21｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Nagoya Clinic)
December 18, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
In 2022, the patient underwent spinal fusion surgery. While her symptoms improved immediately following the procedure, they began to recur (relapse) about six months ago.
Pre-treatment symptoms
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 9 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: bilateral lumbar region and bilateral lower limbs
Bending forward: no aggravation
Bending backward: no aggravation
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: bilateral lumbar region and bilateral lower limbs
Intermittent claudication: positive
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
No notable restrictions.
Imaging and findings
| Disc Level | Findings |
| L1/2 | Disc Degeneration |
| L2/3 | Disc Degeneration, Bulging, Left Foraminal Stenosis |
| L3/4 | Disc Degeneration |
| L4/5 | Post-operative (Fusion site) |
| L5/S | Post-operative (Fusion site) |
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
Based on imaging, disc degeneration, bulging, and left foraminal stenosis at L1/2, L2/3, and L3/4 are considered the most likely sources of symptoms.
Treatment
In consultation with the patient, the Celgel Method was performed at:
L1/2, L2/3, and L3/4
The procedure performed by Dr. Ban.
This is an image of the Discogel inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The procedure took approximately 40 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home unaided.
Our clinic’s treatment method
Additional information about the Cellgel method we have introduced in this column.
Cost of the Cellgel method: 1,320,000 yen per area (including tax) to 1,760,000 yen per 5 areas (including tax)
Risks and side effects of the Cellgel method: Transient pain may occur after treatment. Nerve damage is not a zero possibility due to the very nature of the treatment, but there have been no reports of damage so far in either report cases or publications. There is a very small possibility of allergic reactions to local anesthetics. Symptoms may temporarily worsen during the first week or two after treatment. This is believed to be due to the decompression effect of the implant, which retracts the surrounding tissues. In addition, if the disc is almost completely collapsed, treatment may be difficult. The doctor hold a consultation with you during your visit to the clinic to determine the best treatment option for your condition.
For more detailed information, please refer to the following links:
Blog page explaining the Cellgel Method in an easy-to-understand manner
The Cellgel Method on our treatment methods page
This article was written by the Administrative Director of our clinic
